RICK SMITH: Success no matter of convenience

Chain CEO jumped at his opportunities

Standard-Times file photo Steve Stephens, CEO of Town & Country, is shown at a new store on South Bryant Boulevard in 1996. Stephens has written a book about how he became a co-founder and CEO of the stores, called “When Opportunity Knocked.”

Pollyanna and Steve Stephens

“When Opportunity Knocked” by F.L. Steve Stephens

SAN ANGELO, Texas - As a young man, F.L. "Steve" Stephens didn't set out to create a chain of regional convenience stores in West Texas and beyond. Like many of us, he simply was trying to make a living, get ahead and take care of his family.